The Operations Manager at NOLS Alaska supervises a team of 25+ in-town staff members in the efficient execution of course logistics at the Palmer Campus. This role works to facilitate quality service in the kitchen, rations, equipment, facility, and transportation departments.

What does an Operations Manager do?

This role works under the supervision of the Alaska Directory. It includes the following activities:

• Hire and train staff in the following operations departments: rations, kitchen, facilities, transportation, and equipment. 

• Provide effective supervision (clear expectations, comprehensive training, periodic individual check-ins, and growth-oriented evaluations) to ensure all operations departments operate optimally and provide an exceptional student and staff experience while at NOLS Alaska. 

• Assist NOLS Alaska director to plan and implement operations departmental budgets. 

• Maintain good relations between NOLS Alaska and NOLS finance, purchasing, information systems, and other departments at NOLS World Headquarters.

• Help NOLS foster a strong and collaborative local presence in Alaska

What makes a great Operations Manager?

For this position, we are seeking a person who is passionate about working as a team, enjoys dynamic day to day operations, and takes pride in living/working in a small communal environment.

• Ability to be self-directed, take initiative, and make decisions independently

• Adaptable to last minute adversity and uncertainty in logistics

• Eager to collaborate and communicate effectively as a team to support the mission of NOLS

• Willing to accommodate flexible work hours/schedules including holidays/weekends.

• Able to lift and carry 60+ lbs (items such as propane tanks, laundry, and tools)

• Capacity to approach challenges on campus with empathy

• Be 21 years of age - NOLS Insurance requires drivers to be at least 21 years old

Who is NOLS?

NOLS is a nonprofit global wilderness school that believes in the transformative power of leadership through wilderness education. We are dedicated to developing leaders by providing immersive experiences that challenge you to step beyond your comfort zone and unlock your full potential. Whether in remote backcountry settings or through courses near home, we equip people with the skills, resilience, and confidence to lead in all walks of life.

At NOLS, we’re driven by a commitment to education, adventure, and a deep respect for the wilderness. These values are at the heart of every experience we offer, empowering students to make meaningful connections with themselves, others, and the world around them.

Why is NOLS a great place to work?

• Awesome employees! Ask anyone at NOLS and they’ll likely say they work here because of the community.

• Fantastic employee discounts on top outdoor gear brands

• Discounts on NOLS Courses for you and your family

• Free equipment “rentals" at our various locations

• A flexible time off policy for all full-time regular employees, and accrued vacation for part-time regular employees

• Sick time for all employees

• 403(b) available to all employees, with an annual employer contribution

• An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with 24/7 access with 5 sessions per issue to assist employees with work or life concerns.

Additional Information

NOLS currently can support remote employees with legal working rights in the following locations: Canada, provinces: British Columbia, and Ontario; Chile; India; Mexico; New Zealand; the US, states: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, Montana, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming.

Pre-Employment Check

• A criminal background check is required from all NOLS employees.

• NOLS participates in e-verify for U.S. employees, Certificado de Antecedentes for Chilean or Mexican employees, and other relevant employment verification systems based on location.

• Current NOLS employees please note it is NOLS policy to conduct an internal reference check with People Team and/or your current supervisor as part of the reference check process. If you have any questions or concerns about this process please contact peopleteam@nols.edu.

NOLS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetics information, disability unrelated to job or admission requirements, or status as a protected veteran. The school’s nondiscrimination policy applies to all phases of its employment process, its admission and financial aid programs, and to all other aspects of its educational programs and activities. Retaliation directed to any person who pursues a discrimination complaint or grievance, participates in a discrimination investigation, or otherwise opposes unlawful discrimination is prohibited.

NOLS values community and fosters a sense of belonging for our employees and applicants. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations in the workplace because they embody these values, as well as our operating principle of promoting a positive, safe, and learning environment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested for disability; limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or a related medical condition; religion; and domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or harassment. Reasonable accommodations may be requested at any point of the employment process, including during recruitment. Please email peopleteam@nols.edu with your request.

How to Apply

It’s super easy! Just enter your email and click the “start your application” button at the top of the screen. 

Please upload your cover letter and resume as one document, preferably as a PDF when prompted to upload your CV/resume.

In order to better understand our candidate pools and ensure we are attracting diverse candidates, Applied will ask you some demographic questions before you start your application. The responses are never tied to your application; we only see summary statistics. If you prefer, you can easily opt out of answering these questions.